Depression, Suicide and Chronic Brain Illness
MAJOR HILLARD LIBRARY - CHESAPEAKE, VA
MAY 29, 2019
Depression is not uncommon in individuals who struggle with chronic illness and pain.
In this presentation, psychiatrist
Dr. Charles Parker, discusses the psychiatric diagnosis and treatment (including medications, etc.) of mental health issues associated with
Chiari malformation,
syringomyelia,
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and other related disorders.
In addition to talking about depression and suicide,
Dr. Parker describes an important shift that the field of psychiatry is experiencing right now. This shift is a departure from traditional diagnostic and treatment methods that left many patients feeling like their symptoms were "all in their head". The new direction in the field involves a more systemic approach, seeing patients in a more holistic manner. Previous techniques were "reductionist"-- meaning, patients were given a label and the treatment plans that followed tended to be very one-size-fits-all. Now, as individuals with chronic illness are increasingly viewed as a whole person, we may see fewer and fewer chronically ill people struggling with depression and suicidal ideation who do not receive the help they need. In time, mental health care will become much better in these populations of "invisible" disease.
But while we are moving in the right direction, we're not quite there yet! Follow Dr. Parker's podcast
Core Brain Journal to keep up-to-date on these issues and to learn more about mental health and chronic neurological disease. Want to hear more presentations like this? Let us know! Connect with us on social media or email us at
info@bobbyjonescsf.org!
This presentation was given at a CSF meeting in Chesapeake, Virginia. (2019)
**If you or someone you love is struggling and needs to talk to someone, call the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline '1-800-273-TALK (8255)'. You can also text the
Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 at any time. International hotlines are also available.**
Revised: 9/2019
